The hands-on camp, called “AstroCamp: Journey to the Stars,”
will allow students to observe the universe with professional telescopes; study
astronomical images on computers; construct scientific spectrographs to
identify chemical elements; build and launch model rockets; conduct soil tests;
create solar ovens; and test their very own Mars landers to see whether, in
this case, they can land an egg softly enough without breaking it.

Professional astronomers; UW graduate students majoring in
astronomy or education; and high school and junior high school teachers will
lead the activities.

“The camp provides a 10-day immersion in science and
engineering on a college campus with other talented middle-school youth at no
cost to the family,” says Chip Kobulnicky, a UW associate professor of physics
and astronomy.

Students entering the sixth, seventh and eighth grades -- from
Wyoming, western Nebraska, northern Colorado and western South Dakota -- for
fall 2014 are encouraged to apply for the UW camp. The free academic camp
supports historically underserved and underrepresented students with limited
opportunities.

Campers are chosen based on demonstrated interest and
academic potential in math, science, astronomy and space. Students need to have
at least a “B” average in science and mathematics, and a passing score on the
state’s standardized science and mathematics tests. As part of the application
process, students have to submit a written essay (250 words or less) on why they
want to attend the science camp.

Campers will attend classes that include problem solving,
earth sciences, and engineering and design concepts. Field excursions include
an overnight camping trip under the stars near UW’s Wyoming Infrared
Observatory, located on Jelm Mountain. Students will investigate the scientific,
technological and biological factors that will be required to travel to distant
planets and stars.

Founded in 1998 by Bernard Harris Jr., the Harris Foundation
is a Houston, Texas-based nonprofit organization that invests in
community-based initiatives to support education, health and wealth. The
foundation supports programs that empower individuals to recognize and pursue
their dreams. Harris is best known as the first African-American astronaut to
walk in space and as a NASA researcher.

“From building models to bridges to designing robots and
creating spacesuits, students see firsthand engineering, science, technology
and math come alive through real-world applications,” says Harris, in an ExxonMobil Foundation news release.

“Our goal, and that of former astronaut Dr. Bernard
Harris, is to train tomorrow's leaders as we help inspire them to pursue their
dreams in STEM fields,” Kobulnicky says. “The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer
Science Camps seek to strengthen national capabilities in critical STEM (science,
technology, math and engineering) areas to solve national and world problems
for the next generation. “

For more information about AstroCamp, email Kobulnicky at
chip@uwyo.edu or Daniel Dale, a professor
and chair of UW’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, at ddale@uwyo.edu.

Photo: Enterprising campers test their
home-built telescopes during last year’s “AstroCamp: Journey to the Stars.” The
University of Wyoming was chosen, for the fifth consecutive year, to host one
of 20 ExxonMobil Harris Summer Science Camps. This year’s camp is scheduled
June 15-24 on campus.